Awana Clubs: Not Just for the Kids
Upper Egypt
When it comes to parents being the main influence in their kids’ lives, the baby and toddler years are the glory days. Grownups get to choose the books, the clothes, the toys, the food — all the things.
But then kids get older. They make friends and go to school. Before long you’re Googling “base 10 for 4th grade” because your 9-year-old doesn’t know how to do the math take-home sheet … and neither do you. When that season comes around, it’s humbling. We’re supposed to be able to help them with tough things. And that’s just math.
When really tough things surface and we don’t know how to help, it brings us to our knees. Parenting and prayer go hand in hand that way. We find ourselves searching for the right words, the right verse, something to help our kids find reason in the world.
In a handful of hardworking, Bible-believing churches in Upper Egypt, mothers are stepping up to that challenge in a very cool way.
When Awana child discipleship began, these moms wanted to truly understand what their children were learning. But in a country where only 10% of the population is Christian (according to government estimates), biblical tools for moms may be harder to come by than we’re accustomed to in the U.S.
The response of churches to this dilemma — “How do we equip parents for discipleship at home?” — has been remarkable.
Awana leaders in local churches in small towns dotted around the area invited moms to join a club of their own. With the help of 45 leaders, women in five Mothers Clubs get to know the Lord and His Word better, and discuss the world in which they’re raising their children. They share stories, swap sentiments and fill their proverbial cups, returning home confident and equipped to build stronger families and communities.
Awana Mothers Clubs in Egypt
- The Apostolic Church Club in Asim, Minya: Over 60 women attend, delve into the Word together and encourage one another in faith.
- At the Church of the Brethren in Maghagha, Awana club leaders minister to 160 women.
- In the Apostolic Church in Hoor, Malawy, 90 moms learn and recite verses with their children; it’s revolutionized education in the village.
- And in the Evangelical Church in Tayaba, Smalut, children and adults have learned Scripture together since 2017. Now 48 women attend regularly, walking together with Jesus.
Prayers and support from our partners allow stories like these to unfold and motivated leaders to share the Gospel in ways that change lives and build generations.
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
